Firearm Safety

The Wilmette Police Department is dedicated to promoting safe firearm practices. We offer several programs to residents within the Village related to firearm safety.

Temporary Safe Storage Program

If circumstances exist in a home and the resident wishes to temporarily remove firearms or ammunition for safety reasons, the Police Department will store them at no cost. The Police Department will accept these items anytime with no appointment necessary. If these items cannot be transported legally and safely to the Police Department an Officer will respond to assist.

The Wilmette Police Department will accept unwanted firearms and ammunition from residents for destruction. Unloaded firearms and ammunition can be brought to the Police Department for destruction anytime. If these items cannot be transported legally and safely to the Police Department an Officer will respond to assist.

Firearms Restraining Order Act

The Firearms Restraining Order Act is a new law in 2019, which allows for certain family and household members to petition the court to remove a person’s access to firearms on an ex parte basis, based on evidence that the respondent is a danger to themselves and/or others. The Police Department will assist residents with these special cases and provide firearm storage at no cost.

Safe Storage of Firearms

The Police Department encourages the responsible storage of firearms. The recommended storage practice to prevent accidents or the theft of weapons is to keep firearms unloaded in a mounted gun safe. If there is an individual in your household who may be a threat to themselves or others, avail yourself of the Police Department’s Temporary Safe Storage Program.

Project Child Safe

The Wilmette Police has long partnered with Project Child Safe, which is a public safety campaign aimed at educating parents and families on gun safety and promoting responsible safe storage practices. The Wilmette Police offer free cable locks to gun owners, and they are available at the front desk of the Police Department. For more information on Project Child Safe and education resources, visit their website: www.projectchildsafe.org.